Wiley, the Dalmatian, wears his heart on his sleeve – well more like his nose. The now one-year-old spotted dog rose to internet fame for his unique heart-shaped marking placed squarely on his face and his over 120k Instagram followers can’t get enough. His human mom, Lexi Smith, 26, describes Wiley as, “54 pounds of goofy, clumsy, sassy, hungry, cuddly, curious, wild, crazy, silly, happy love,” and as lovely as he is in photos she says, “No amount of pictures on could ever fully capture all that he is and all that he means to me, he’s my best friend.”
Image credits: hi.wiley
Wiley found his way to Smith, who lives in Colorado, from Oklahoma on Saint Patrick’s day of last year and while this cute puppy’s unique markings make him stand out, she says that’s not the reason she chose him.
Image credits: hi.wiley
“He came from a litter of 11, and 8 of them were boys, so I had a tough choice in choosing him. The heart was there, but not fully formed to the point where I believed it would stay since dalmatian spots change so much as they grow. I chose him because the breeder told me that all he did was sleep, snuggle, and eat, so we already had a lot in common.”
Image credits: hi.wiley
Well, the sleepy little pup she first met is no more, and the 26-year-old said, “Wiley has more personality bundled up into his little body than any adorable dog I have ever met.”
Image credits: hi.wiley
Luckily for Wiley, the pair lives in an area where the beautiful dog can release some of that energy.
Image credits: hi.wiley
Smith said hiking is one of his favorite activities, “We are so lucky to live in Colorado and have the biggest most beautiful places to play in and explore. He loves hiking or going to one of the many massive dog parks here.”
Image credits: hi.wiley
“He also enjoys car rides and sits where he can look out the front window like a true copilot. But when he gets sleepy, he really, really LOOOOVES to snuggle.”
Image credits: hi.wiley
When this adorably cute do dog isn’t snuggling, his mom said he could also be quite stubborn (a common trait among Dalmatian dogs).
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“Wiley’s truest dalmatian traits are constantly making me laugh. Usually, it’s a giggle paired with shaking my head, laughing off total frustration from his stubbornness, but that’s part of owning the breed. If you can’t laugh it off and be creative in finding a solution and training the naughty traits out of them, life with a dalmatian would be such a challenge.”
Image credits: hi.wiley
For Smith, she wouldn’t trade Wiley’s occasional stubbornness for the world, “I have been really lucky with Wiley, though. He has the best heart, and I’m not talking about the one on his nose. He loves everyone he meets and is always so excited to make new friends. He has been relatively easy to train and has made the best little adventure partner I could ask for. He requires so much attention, and he’s basically attached to my hip, but that’s what I love about him.”
Image credits: hi.wiley
The Colorado native isn’t the only one who appreciates how special Wiley is. Thanks to his growing Instagram, the Dalmatian gets noticed on the street.
Image credits: hi.wiley
“Some people recognize him as “that dog from the internet,” a lot of people notice the heart-shaped dog nose, but mostly it’s just people shocking to see a dalmatian. “I haven’t seen a dalmatian in so long,” or “I’ve never seen a dalmatian in person,” are the most repeated comments I hear when I am out and about with Wiley.”
Image credits: hi.wiley
Smith’s decision to share Wiley with the internet began with her love of photography. “Photography has always been something that I have toyed and experimented with, and suddenly I had an adorable puppy who made the perfect model. I have a personal account, but creating a separate one dedicated specifically to Wiley seemed like a great way to kind of store all my photos of him and keep a running timeline of his life.”
Image credits: hi.wiley
“It truly started as something meant for just me and maybe some of my friends to see his growth and keep the memories of every stage and event with Wiley. When the account first started growing, I remember thinking, ‘Wow, what if he hits 5,000 followers!’ I never in a million years could have imagined it would be what it is now. And it’s STILL GROWING. I am constantly amazed, shocked, but mostly so grateful. It has been a fun little adventure, that’s for sure.”
Image credits: hi.wiley
“Hey mom, if I throw a ball will you go away and leave me to my stick chewing?”
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“My plan for today? Same as always: chew on everything and look sexy”
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“It’s Thursday, or as I like to call it…day 4 of the hostage situation”
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“This weekend has been a good weekend”
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“Mom says stay humble, so I say “get my good side,” as if I have a bad side.”
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“BORN TO BE WIIIIIILD(but only until 9 pm or so)”
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“Throw me to the wolves, and I’ll come back leading the pack. Just kidding. I’ll be home for dinner.”
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“How long do you think we have to sit here before they realize we ARE the gifts?Happy holly jolly Christmas from your two favorite Christmas homies!”
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“It’s her birthday, and she better be sharing the cake.”
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“There’s nothing better than snuggling up with mom next to the warm fire during the holiday season. Unfortunately, not every animal has that ability. That’s why mom got this super cute bracelet (it’s not a treat. I tasted it to confirm). This rescue bracelet funds the rescue and rehoming of pets on death row at kill shelters.”
Image credits: hi.wiley
“If it makes any difference, I found the ball”
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“Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, BLINK, Monday…”
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